Women at the Helm of Africa’s $29 Trillion Economic Transformation, Says VP Shettima

Launches #SheIsIncluded initiative to close gender gaps in finance and economy

 

 

Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasized that women will play a leading role in Africa’s projected $29 trillion economic growth. He strongly believes that gender equality is not just a slogan but a crucial aspect of Nigeria’s national development strategy.

Shettima made this statement on Thursday in Abuja as he opened the 2025 Gender Inclusion Conference and launched the #SheIsIncluded project, which aims to close gender gaps in finance and the broader economic sectors.

The conference, themed “Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience for Sustainable Women’s Economic and Financial Inclusion,” builds upon the 2024 Aso Accord for Economic and Financial Inclusion and highlights Nigeria’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5: gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.

“We cannot build the Nigeria or Africa we dream of without fully integrating women into our economic systems. Women are not just participants in the economy; they are leaders, innovators, and the foundation of sustainable development,” VP Shettima stated, according to a release by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha.

VP Shettima highlighted that the #SheIsIncluded initiative focuses on four essential pillars: education and financial literacy, maternal healthcare, gender-sensitive policies, and expanding economic opportunities for women. He also announced that the program will be implemented in all 774 local government areas across Nigeria, ensuring no woman is left behind.

“Our commitment to gender inclusion goes beyond superficial gestures—it is a core pillar of our national development agenda. We are not only assuring women of their place in this journey, we are creating pathways for them to lead the way,” Shettima remarked.

He explained that the project is not merely about meeting quotas but about unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s people to drive the country’s broader economic goals, in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The initiative will be led by the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs.

“To build an inclusive economic system where all Nigerians, regardless of gender, can contribute and benefit, we must intensify our efforts and align with global best practices. Our pursuit of SDG 5—gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls—must be unyielding,” he affirmed.

VP Shettima stressed that the two-day conference is not just a platform for discussion, but a chance to devise actionable strategies for building a more inclusive nation. He urged both public and private sector stakeholders to seize the opportunity to outline concrete steps toward advancing gender inclusion.

“I look forward to the recommendations from this conference, as they will play a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s future in terms of gender inclusion,” he added.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, commended the conference as a significant milestone in efforts to break barriers for women’s empowerment and inclusion. She emphasized that gender inclusion is key to sustainable development, economic growth, and poverty reduction. It should lead to women’s financial independence, wealth creation, and leadership across sectors.

Justice Kekere-Ekun assured that the judiciary will collaborate with stakeholders to protect women’s rights, ensuring they have access to economic resources and property ownership, free from harmful cultural practices or stereotypes.

In a recorded message, Dr. Amina Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, described the conference as a vital step toward Nigeria’s gender inclusion and women empowerment goals. She stressed that gender equality is not merely an aspiration but a foundation for global peace, progress, and development. She encouraged investment in women’s empowerment, noting that when women thrive, entire communities, economies, and societies prosper.

Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, noted that VP Shettima’s advocacy for inclusive growth reflects his leadership since taking office and aligns with the National Economic Council’s agenda. He emphasized that the “She’s Included” conference aims to dismantle barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create systems that support women’s empowerment across Nigeria.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, said the conference offers a unique opportunity to strengthen strategies for removing barriers to women’s empowerment programs.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State highlighted that the state’s policies on women’s empowerment align with the conference’s goals, focusing on women and vulnerable groups. He discussed the state’s initiatives across agriculture, commerce, and MSMEs that have positively impacted women, stressing the urgent need to eliminate barriers to their empowerment.

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State affirmed that empowering women is essential for the state’s development. He mentioned that girl-child education is free at all levels in Jigawa and the state government is actively improving rural economies.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State also praised the conference, calling it a call to action, and shared that his administration is committed to policies that support women’s inclusion and uplift their potential.

Dr. Nurudeen Zauro, Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, gave an overview of the conference, calling it a transformative platform for aligning goals, sharing insights, and creating actionable plans that will drive financial inclusion across Nigeria.

Mr. Tosin Eniolorunda, founder of Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, emphasized that inclusion should be at the core of building a thriving economy. He described empowering women as critical for economic growth, asserting that women are key economic drivers.

Mr. Oliver Alawuba, Chairman of the Body of Banks’ CEOs and Group CEO of UBA Group, applauded the Vice President’s office for organizing the gender inclusion conference, underscoring that empowering women is essential for unlocking the full potential of society and the economy.

Other notable figures at the event included the CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, first ladies from Jigawa and Katsina, as well as leaders from financial institutions and other partners.